Song lyric processing with user interaction

ABSTRACT

A computer-implemented system (and method and computer readable storage medium) are disclosed for processing interactions with song lyrics. The system is configured to provide for display on a screen of a computing device the song lyrics. The system detects a selection of a segment of the song lyrics and provides for display a menu of options for interacting with the selected segment of the song lyrics. The system receives a selection of an option from the menu of options and updates, in a user interaction database, a data field corresponding to the selected segment with the selected option from the menu of options. The system executes the selected option from the menu of options.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/396,592, filed Feb. 14, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/446,724, filed Feb. 25, 2011, both ofwhich are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

The present description includes material protected by copyrights, suchas illustrations of graphical user interface images. The owners of thecopyrights, including the assignee of the present invention, herebyreserve their rights, including copyright, in these materials. CBS, Inc.and CBS Interactive, Inc. have no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure,as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office file or records, butotherwise reserves its copyrights. Copyright CBS, Inc. and CBSInteractive, Inc. 2011-2012.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Art

The disclosure generally relates to the field of analyzing song lyrics.

2. Description of the Related Art

Searches for song lyrics make up a significant portion of all Internettraffic. According to Microsoft, about 10 percent of all Internet searchqueries are entertainment-related, and about 70 percent of thosesearches are related to music lyrics. Users can search for and accesssong lyrics by way of web browsers or other applications on desktopcomputers, laptops, tablet devices, mobile devices, and the like.

A user wishing to read the lyrics of a song may visit one of a number ofwebsites which have access to databases containing song lyrics and candisplay the lyrics to the user. Typically, the user conducts a searchfor song lyrics by entering search terms such as “lyrics”, the songtitle, a line or phrase in the song, artist name, and the like, into asearch engine. The search engine outputs a list of links to pagescontaining matches to the search terms. The user can select and view oneor more of the pages to determine if they contain the song lyrics ofinterest.

Generally, once a user has found and viewed the song lyrics that he orshe is looking for, the user will leave the lyrics page and move on to anew task. If the user wishes to view the lyrics of another song, theuser typically conducts a new search using search terms entered into asearch engine. Depending on the search results and the pages selected bythe user, the user may or may not return to the website that he or shehad visited for the earlier-searched lyrics.

Song lyrics websites typically display lyrics in a static form.Typically the lyrics for a particular song are displayed on one or morepages and if necessary the user can scroll down the page or navigate tosubsequent pages to view the lyrics. There are generally few or nomechanisms to attract repeat visits or to encourage users to linger onthe page or visit other pages within the same website.

Some song lyrics websites record the number of times a song lyrics pagehas been viewed. This data may be used to calculate licensing revenuesto copyright owners or advertising income. However, there are generallyfew or no mechanisms to track particular song lyrics that users may beinterested in. For example, there is a lack of mechanisms for increasingthe engagement of users with song lyrics. There also is a lack ofconfigurations to provide feedback to interested parties such as songlyrics providers, copyright owners, music artists, promoters, and thelike regarding users' engagement with song lyrics.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The disclosed embodiments have other advantages and features which willbe more readily apparent from the detailed description, the appendedclaims, and the accompanying figures (or drawings). A brief introductionof the figures is below.

FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to one exampleembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to anotherexample embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to anotherexample embodiment.

FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a system according to one exampleembodiment that may be used to implement one or more of the methodsdescribed herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of components of an example machineable to read instructions from a machine-readable medium and executethem in a processor (or controller).

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C illustrate user interaction data in lyrics space,song space and artist space, respectively.

FIG. 7 schematically illustrates data that may be generated and lateranalyzed according to one or more of the methods described herein.

FIG. 8A is a computer screen shot of an application showing a graphicaluser interface according to one example embodiment that may be used withthe methods, apparatus and systems described herein.

FIG. 8B is a computer screen shot of an application showing a graphicaluser interface for sharing lyrics and song meanings according to asecond example embodiment that may be used with the methods, apparatusand systems described herein.

FIG. 8C is a computer screen shot of an application showing a graphicaluser interface for song meanings according to one example embodimentthat may be used with the methods, apparatus and systems describedherein.

FIG. 8D is a computer screen shot of an application showing a graphicaluser interface for misheard lyrics according to one example embodimentthat may be used with the methods, apparatus and systems describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Figures (FIGS.) and the following description relate to preferredembodiments by way of illustration only. It should be noted that fromthe following discussion, alternative embodiments of the structures andmethods disclosed herein will be readily recognized as viablealternatives that may be employed without departing from the principlesof what is claimed.

Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments, examples ofwhich are illustrated in the accompanying figures. It is noted thatwherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may be used inthe figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. The figuresdepict embodiments of the disclosed system (or method) for purposes ofillustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize fromthe following description that alternative embodiments of the structuresand methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing fromthe principles described herein.

Configuration Overview

Described are processes, apparatus and systems for processing andenabling user interaction with song lyrics in various ways. Theinteractive capabilities of song lyrics applications described hereincan enhance a user's experience or engagement with the lyrics.Processes, apparatus and systems are also provided for generating,collecting and/or analyzing data concerning user interactions withlyrics. Such information can be leveraged by interested parties (e.g.,song lyrics providers, copyright owners, music artists, music producers,music promoters, and the like) for a variety of purposes. Examplepurposes include advertising and marketing of music recordings, songartists or bands, events, and the like; selecting music for concerts orother performances; developing song lyrics which cater to fans;providing song lyrics information and song or artist recommendations tousers to further increase users' engagement with the music and lyrics;etc.

According to particular embodiments, song lyrics are divided intosegments. A segment may comprise a word, phrase, or line of lyrics.Users may interact with individual segments of the lyrics via a userinterface by selecting a segment and indicating an action to beperformed with respect to that segment. If the segment comprises a lineof lyrics, such action may include, for example, submitting the user'sinterpretation of the line of lyrics, viewing other users'interpretations of the line of lyrics, submitting a corresponding lineof lyrics indicating how the user misheard the lyrics, viewingcorresponding lines of lyrics indicating how other users misheard thelyrics, sharing the line of lyrics with others through social media orsocial networking sites, copying the line of lyrics, adding the line oflyrics to a compilation of favorite lyrics, and emailing or textmessaging the line of lyrics to a friend. This list is not intended tobe exhaustive. Other actions may be performed with respect to a line oflyrics or other lyric segments.

Aspects disclosed herein provide methods, apparatus and systems forenabling user interaction with song lyrics in various ways. One aspectprovides a processing data corresponding to song lyrics for enhancinguser experience with those song lyrics. One example process includesdisplaying song lyrics to a user, accepting a selection of a lyricsegment from the user, and displaying a menu of options for interactingwith the song lyrics. The menu may be provided in response to an actionsuch as a pointing device selection or a mouseover. The process alsoincludes accepting a selection of one of the options from the user,updating a user interaction database entry corresponding to the selectedline with the selected option, and executing the selected option. Inparticular embodiments, the lyric segment selected by the user comprisesa line of lyrics.

Other aspects provide a system and apparatus to process song lyrics inorder to enhancing a user experience with those song lyrics. Certainembodiments include a song lyrics server having an application storedthereon configured to display a plurality of lines of lyrics to theuser, accept a selection of one of the lines from the user, and displaya menu of options for interacting with the lyrics. The embodiment alsois configured to accept a selection of one of the options from the user,update a user interaction database entry corresponding to the selectedline with the selected option, and execute the selected option.

In particular embodiments, the menu of options displayed to a user forselection may comprise one or more of the following: enter or view aninterpretation of the selected line, enter or view misheard lyrics forthe selected line, share the selected line through a social media orsocial networking site, post the selected line to a blog, copy theselected line, add the selected line to a compilation of favoritelyrics, and email or text message the selected line. Further aspectsinclude methods, apparatus and systems for generating, collecting and/oranalyzing data concerning user interactions with lyrics.

Song Lyrics Interaction

Turning now to FIG. 1, it illustrates a process 100 for interacting withsong lyrics according to one example embodiment. The process 100 may beperformed by one or more components of system 20 as described below withreference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The process 100 begins by retrieving songlyrics from a song lyrics database 103 at block 102. The song lyricsretrieved at block 102 may be in response to a user's song selection,such as, for example, a particular song selected by the user inconducting a song lyrics search or browsing for song lyrics. The songlyrics retrieved at block 102 are displayed to the user at block 104.FIGS. 8A-8D show example computer screen user interfaces 50 displayinglyrics 52 for a particular song and interactions that may be undertakenwith those song lyrics.

Returning to FIG. 1, a lyric segment (e.g., one of the lines of lyricsdisplayed) can be selected through an interaction by a user. Inparticular embodiments, selection of a lyric segment may be facilitatedby one or more of a number of selection mechanisms provided by agraphical user interface, such as, for example, a cursor or scrollbarcontrolled through a mouse or a touchpad, a touch-sensitive screen,physical or software buttons, and the like. Selection of a lyric segmentmay cause the selected segment to have its visual characteristic changedor altered, e.g., bolded, enlarged, changed color, highlighted orotherwise differentiated from surrounding lines or other lyric segmentsto indicate that the selection has been made. For example, FIG. 4 showsa segment 54 of lyrics (comprising a line of lyrics) selected by theuser. The user's selected lyric segment 105 is accepted at block 106 ofprocess 100 (FIG. 1).

A plurality of options 107 for the selected lyric segment 105 isdisplayed to the user at block 108. In some embodiments, options 107 maybe displayed in the form of a drop-down menu. For example, the userinterface illustrated in the screen shot of FIG. 8A shows an exampledrop-down menu 56 displaying various options (e.g. such as option 56A)for interacting with the lyric segment selected by the user.

In process 100 of FIG. 1, the user may select one of the options 107(e.g., using a cursor or touch screen to select an option). The user'sselected option 109 is accepted at block 110. For certain of options107, the user is prompted for user input at block 110A. If prompted, theuser may enter user input 109A corresponding to the user's selectedoption 109. User input 109A is accepted at block 110B.

By way of example, the process can be configured so that a system (e.g.,as described with FIGS. 4 and 5), receives a data message correspondingto an action taken through a user interface displayed on a screen of aclient device. The action is associated with user interaction with songlyrics displayed via the user interface on the screen of the clientdevice. The action and interaction can correspond to a selection of oneor more options 107 available for the interaction with the song lyrics.Options 107 for the selected lyric segment 105 may include one or moreof the following:

-   -   enter/view interpretation (meaning) of the lyric segment;    -   enter/view misheard lyrics corresponding to the lyric segment;    -   share the lyric segment through a social media or social        networking site (e.g., Facebook™, Twitter™, Myspace™, Google+™,        etc.);    -   post the lyric segment to a blog or other site;    -   copy the lyric segment;    -   add the lyric segment to a compilation of favorite lyrics        maintained by the user; and    -   send the lyric segment to a friend (e.g., via email, text        message, instant messaging, or other communication mechanisms).

Depending on the option selected, the user may be prompted to enter userinput (e.g., text; login information; email address; etc.) correspondingto the selected option. For example, if the user selects the option toenter an interpretation for the lyric segment then the user may beprompted to enter text indicating his or her interpretation of thelyrics.

Similarly if the user selects the option to enter misheard lyrics thenthe user may be prompted to enter text indicating what lyrics he or sheactually heard for that lyric segment when listening to the music. Ifthe user selects the option to share or post a lyric segment to a socialnetworking or blog site then the user may be prompted to enter logininformation for the site. If the user selects the option to send thelyric segment to a friend then the user may be prompted to enter thedestination such as an email address or mobile phone number. Not alloptions will require user input. For example, if the user selects theoption to copy the lyric segment or to add the lyrics to the user'sfavorite lyrics, then the user is not prompted to enter user input.

At block 112, the option selected 109 by the user, and, if provided,user input 109A may optionally be stored in some form for future use oranalysis. In the illustrated embodiment, the user's selected option 109and user input 109A is stored in a user interaction database 111 as anentry corresponding to the lyric segment 105 of the displayed song. Userinteraction database 111 may collect data regarding a user's selectedoption 109 and user input 109A for a particular lyric segment of a song,each time process 100 is performed. Data in user interaction database111 may later be analyzed. For example, data in user interactiondatabase 111 may be analyzed to generate profiles of users (e.g.,including user's musical preferences) and to determine which song lyricsare attracting the most user interaction.

The option selected by the user is executed at block 114. For example,if the user had selected to view how others had misheard the lyricsegment then one or more segments (e.g. lines) of misheard lyrics may bedisplayed. In some embodiments, the most common and/or most recentlyprovided misheard lyrics may be displayed at block 114. As anotherexample, if the user had selected to share the selected lyric segment105 to a social networking site such as Facebook™ or Google+™, then atblock 114 process 100 may cause the selected lyric segment 105 to beposted as a current Facebook™ status for the user.

Turning next to FIG. 2, it illustrates a process 200 for interactingwith song lyrics according to another example embodiment. Process 200may be performed by one or more components of system 20 which isdescribed below with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. Process 200 of FIG. 2is similar in some aspects to process 100 of FIG. 1, and similarreference numerals are used herein to describe similar steps except thatin process 200, the reference numerals begin with a “2” instead of a“1.”

Process 200 begins similarly to process 100 by retrieving song lyricsfrom a song lyrics database 203 at block 202. The song lyrics retrievedat block 202 are displayed to the user at block 204. The user may selecta lyric segment from the lyrics that are displayed. In the illustratedembodiment, each lyric segment consists of a line of lyrics, and theuser may select one of the lines of lyrics displayed. The line of lyrics205 selected by the user is accepted at block 206.

After selecting a line of lyrics 205, the user is prompted at block 210Ato enter an interpretation for the selected line. The user'sinterpretation 209′ may consist of text indicating the significance ormeaning ascribed to the lyrics by the user. The user's interpretation209′ for the selected line of lyrics 205 is accepted at block 210B. Atblock 212′, the user's interpretation 209′ is stored in a userinterpretation database 211′ as an entry corresponding to the selectedline of lyrics 205 of the displayed song.

User interpretation database 211′ may be analyzed periodically or eachtime it is updated, to identify the most common interpretations forparticular lyrics of lines. Similar interpretations may be groupedtogether for purposes of identifying most common interpretations. Atblock 214′, the most common and/or most recently providedinterpretations are displayed to the user (e.g., top three most commoninterpretations or top 10 most recent interpretations, or somecombination thereof). In some embodiments, a songwriter's interpretationof the line of lyrics may be displayed to the user instead of or inaddition to interpretations provided by users. The interpretations maybe pre-stored within the systems described with FIGS. 4 and 5.

Next, FIG. 3 illustrates a process 300 for interacting with song lyricsaccording to yet another example embodiment. Process 300 may beperformed by one or more components of system 20 which is describedbelow with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. Process 300 of FIG. 3 is similarin some aspects to process 100 of FIG. 1 and process 200 of FIG. 2, andsimilar reference numerals are used herein to describe similar stepsexcept that in process 300, the reference numerals begin with a “3”instead of a “2” or a “1.”

Process 300 begins similarly to process 100 and process 200 byretrieving song lyrics from a song lyrics database 303 at block 302. Thesong lyrics database 303 is configured within a system as described inFIG. 4 or 5. The song lyrics retrieved at block 302 are displayed to theuser at block 304. Process 300 differs from process 100 and process 200in that instead of selecting a line of lyrics, for process 300 the userselects one or more words 305″ of the lyrics displayed. The selectedwords 305″ may comprise one or more portions of a line of lyrics (orlines of lyrics). The selected words 305″ may or may not be consecutivewords of lyrics. The user's selected words 305″ are accepted at block306″.

After selecting words of lyrics 305″, the user may enter a command 309″in relation to the selected words 305″. The user's command 309″ isaccepted at block 310″. The user's command 309″ may comprise, forexample, a command to move words to a new location within the lyrics(e.g., to scramble, unscramble, or form new lyrics), or retrieveinformation associated with the words (such as artistic interpretation,misheard lyrics, or other songs which contain the same words, etc.). Theuser may select command 309″ from a drop-down menu of command options.In other cases the user may indicate command 309″ by performing anaction which is associated with such command, such as, for example,dragging and dropping a selected word to a new location within thelyrics.

At block 312, the user's command 309″ is stored in a user interactiondatabase 311 as an entry corresponding to the selected words 305″ of thedisplayed song. Data stored in user interaction database 311 may laterbe analyzed to learn about how users are engaging with lyrics. At block314, the user's command 309″ is executed.

In some embodiments, to test users' knowledge of lyrics or to provideentertainment to users in the form of a game, lyrics are initiallydisplayed at block 304 in a scrambled form. A user then seeks to put thewords in the correct order by selecting words and dragging and droppingthe selected words to new locations.

The configuration of the processes described above provide for enhancedfeatures. For example, the user interfaces as illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8Dcan be enhances to provide additional optional features. These examplesinclude one or more of the following features that may be combined withone or more of the processes described herein:

-   -   musical notations such as piano keys, guitar tabs or other        musical information may be displayed on top of or beside the        lyrics (e.g., a microphone coupled with an audio processor        detects musical notes and/or lyrics and analyzes those against        pre-stored music to determine whether a match is found; if so,        the configuration allows for retrieving the song corresponding        to the audio detected and provides for display of the lyrics at        the appropriate point by what is analyzed by the audio processor        at that point in time);    -   if music corresponding to the song lyrics is being played, a        moving progress bar or other indicator (e.g., highlighting        lyrics or changing display of lyrics) may be displayed in        synchronization with the music to indicate a portion of lyrics        currently being sung (e.g., a chorus, line or lines of lyrics),        or may be specifically timed with a performing artist's recorded        performance to indicate a specific word or portion of word being        sung by the artist (e.g., for karaoke applications);    -   original handwritten lyrics (e.g., as provided by the artist)        may be displayed on top of or beside the lyrics; and    -   the font of a particular lyric segment (e.g., word, phrase (two        to a few consecutively selected words) or line (a “sentence        like” length of a set of consecutive words) may be enlarged or        highlighted in some other manner when a cursor is placed over        the segment.

It is noted that the one or more optional examples provided above may bedisplayed through a variety of ways including an overlaid window, a newwindow, or the like. In some embodiments, the user may have the optionof toggling on or off one or more of the above features.

System Configuration

Referring now to FIG. 4, it illustrates a system 20 according to oneexample embodiment to perform one or more of the processes describedherein. For example, one or more components of system 20 may implementprocess 100 described with FIG. 1, process 200 described with FIG. 2 orprocess 300 described with FIG. 3.

System 20 includes a song lyrics server 22, a song lyrics client device30, and a song lyrics database 24. In the illustrated embodiment, system20 includes a user interaction database 26. In other embodiments, userinteraction database 26 is omitted. Song lyrics database 24 and userinteraction database 26 may be stored in suitable storage mediaaccessible to server 22. Song lyrics database 24 and/or user interactiondatabase 26 may or may not be stored at the same location as server 22.

In one embodiment, the system is configured to receive a response to arequest from a client device 30 for the server 22. The server 22retrieves song lyrics content from song lyrics database 24, and delivers(or transmits) such the song lyrics (or content) to client device 30over a network connection 25. In some example embodiments system 20includes a plurality of song lyrics servers 22. Servers 22 share thetasks of receiving requests for song lyrics from client devices 30 and,in response to such requests, delivering to client devices 30 songlyrics retrieved from song lyrics database 24.

The network connection 25 may comprise one or more connections over anInternet and/or cellular network which communicatively couple server 22with client device 30. While only one client device 30 is shown in FIG.4, this is for ease of illustration only, and in practice several clientdevices 30 may be communicatively coupled to server 22 at any one time.Client device 30 may comprise any suitable device that is configured toestablish a network connection 25 with server 22, for example, a desktopcomputer, laptop, tablet device, a smartphone, a mobile computingdevice, or other like device with a network connection capability (e.g.,a WiFi, wired, or cellular connection).

Continuing with the description of system 20, in some embodiments it mayinclude a user interaction database 26. User interaction database 26 isconfigured to store information corresponding to user interactions withsong lyrics. In addition, system 20 may also include a song lyrics dataanalyzer 40. Song lyrics data analyzer 40 is configured to analyze thedata recorded in user interaction database 26. In some embodiments, songlyrics data analyzer 40 runs on the same machine that houses userinteraction database 26.

In the FIG. 4 example embodiment, server 22 has a web application 32stored thereon. Web application 32 may be executed by a processor 502 aof server 22 to perform one of the processes described herein. Clientdevice 30 has a browser application 35 (or other suitable application(e.g., an app executable on tablet, a mobile device or smartphone))stored thereon which may be executed by a processor 502 b of clientdevice 30. The browser application (or other suitable app) is configuredto provide access to web application 32 on server 22.

In one embodiment a user (not shown) operates client device 30. Clientdevice 30 provides generates a user interface on a screen (e.g., throughthe browser application 35) through which a user may interact. Theactions performed as a part of the interaction correspond to user inputthat is relayed to web application 32 on server 22. Web application 32may comprise a plurality of web documents 33 written in a format whichcan be interpreted and displayed by browser application 35 on clientdevice 30 (browser application 35 acts as a client for web application32). Web application 32 and browser application 35 may facilitate theretrieval and display of lyrics and user interaction with one or moresegments of lyrics.

To illustrate an example operation of system 20, the following exampledemonstrates how process 100 of FIG. 1 may be implemented by system 20.It is noted that system 20 may similarly implement process 200 of FIG. 2and process 300 of FIG. 3. In this example, a user operating clientdevice 30 takes an action, e.g., makes a selection, through a userinterface of the browser application 35 displayed on a screen of clientdevice 30. In this example, the action corresponds to a request todownload a particular song lyrics for a particular song, e.g.“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen. The action is packaged as a request andis sent (or transmitted) to server 22 through browser application 35 andnetwork connection. Web application 32 on server 22 receives the requestand interprets it. Web application 32 retrieves the requested songlyrics from song lyrics database 24 (block 102 of process 100), packagesit as a data packet for transmission via network connection and sends(or transmits) the packet with song lyrics to browser application 35 fordisplay on client device 30. Client device 30 receives the data packetand provides it to browser application 35 for output/display on a screenof client device 30 (block 104 of process 100).

With the lyrics displayed on the screen of client device 30, the usercan take further actions on the displayed lyrics through the userinterface of the browser application 35. For example, one action a usermay undertake is selection of a segment of the lyrics (e.g., a line oflyrics, such as, “She broke your throne and she cut your hair”). Theselected segment is packaged as data packet and sent to server 22through the network connection. Web application 32 on server 22 receivesthe data packet corresponding to the selection (block 106 of process100). At server 22, web application 32 interprets the action andsubsequently sends back a data packet that provides one or more optionsfor the selected segment to browser application 35 on client device 30(block 108 of process 100). Where the selected segment is a line oflyrics, such options may include, for example, enter/view interpretationof the line of lyrics; enter/view misheard lyrics corresponding to theline of lyrics; share the line of lyrics through a social media orsocial networking site; post the line of lyrics to a blog or other site;copy the line of lyrics; add the line of lyrics to a compilation offavorite lyrics; and send the line of lyrics to a friend (e.g., viaemail, text message, instant messaging, or other communicationmechanism).

Through another interaction of the user interface of browser application35, a user can undertake an action corresponding to one of the options.For example, the user may select an option of entering or viewing alyrical interpretation. In the example case in which the user selectedto enter/view lyrical interpretation, the user is prompted for userinput (block 110A of process 100). The user may provide user input forthe selected option (e.g., “deriving pleasure fromsubmission/weakness”). The selected option and user input are sent as adata packet to server 22 where it is received by web application 32(blocks 110, 110B of process 100). Server 22 may also send informationregarding the user interaction (e.g., song title, song artist or band,line of lyrics selected, option selected and user input) to userinteraction database 26 (block 112 of process 100).

Web application 32 on server 22 executes the selected option (block 114of process 100). In the present example, execution may compriseretrieving common interpretations for the selected line of lyrics fromuser interaction database 26 and displaying the user's enteredinterpretation along with common interpretations (e.g., “reference tothe Biblical story of Samson and Delilah”).

As can be appreciated from the above-described example, the processes ofinteracting with lyrics described provides benefits such as encouragingusers to learn about various aspects of the song lyrics, such as themeaning of certain lyrics. Moreover, users can contribute to theinformation concerning song lyrics by inputting their owninterpretations or misheard lyrics. For example, one option can includea user interface on web application 35 for a user to enter in text datacorresponding to a user interpretation of a phrase or sentence or theentire song of the song lyrics. The text data is received by server 22and forwarded to user interaction database 26. User interaction database26 stores the text with the song so that it may be retrieved forsubsequent further processing, e.g., by song lyrics data analyzer 40.Examples of subsequent processing include allowing the user to retrievethe user interpretation at a later date or allow for display to otherusers seeking information on how particular aspects of the song wereinterpreted.

All information corresponding to a song or parts of a song can becaptured and stored in a repository (e.g., user interaction database 26or other database) and shared with other users of the song lyricswebsite. Users need only visit one site in order to interact with andlearn about the lyrics and share their own experiences with other users.The ability to interact with song lyrics may enhance a user's experiencewith song lyrics, and may encourage users to spend longer periods oftime reading and exploring song lyrics. Moreover, user interactions withsong lyrics generate data that can be collected and analyzed, and usedby song lyrics providers, song artists, music producers, advertisers,etc., as described herein. Hence, the system and process describedherein provides for a unique social experience through song lyrics.

System 20 of FIG. 4 illustrates one example embodiment of a system thatmay be used to perform the methods described herein. Otherimplementations are possible. For example, the various databases may becombined within one physical configuration but logically separated.

Example Computing Architecture

The components, e.g., serve 22, song lyrics database 24, userinteraction database 26, song lyrics data analyzer 40, and client device30, described with FIG. 4 are processed by one or more machines (orcomputing systems). An example of a machine is illustrated in FIG. 5. Inparticular, FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating components of anexample machine able to read instructions from a machine-readable mediumand execute them in a processor (or controller). Specifically, FIG. 5shows a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the example form ofa computer system 500 within which instructions 524 (e.g., software) forcausing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologiesdiscussed herein may be executed. In alternative embodiments, themachine operates as a standalone device or may be connected (e.g.,networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine mayoperate in the capacity of a server machine or a client machine in aserver-client network environment, or as a peer machine in apeer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may be a server computer, a client computer, a personalcomputer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digitalassistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a smartphone, a web appliance, anetwork router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executinginstructions 524 (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to betaken by that machine. Further, while only a single machine isillustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include anycollection of machines that individually or jointly execute instructions524 to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

The example computer system 500 includes one or more processors(generally 502) (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphicsprocessing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP) (including audioprocessor), one or more application specific integrated circuits(ASICs), one or more radio-frequency integrated circuits (RFICs), or anycombination of these), a main memory 504, and a static memory 506, whichare configured to communicate with each other via a bus 508. Thecomputer system 500 may further include graphics display unit 510 (e.g.,a plasma display panel (PDP), a liquid crystal display (LCD), aprojector, or a cathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system 500 mayalso include alphanumeric input device 512 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursorcontrol device 514 (e.g., a mouse, a trackball, a joystick, a motionsensor, or other pointing instrument), a storage unit 516, a signalgeneration device 518 (e.g., a speaker), and a network interface device520, which also are configured to communicate via the bus 108. Notshown, but also may be included with the architecture, includesinput/output interfaces, for example, a microphone or a speaker thatcouples with a digital signal processor (e.g., an audio processor).

The storage unit 516 includes a machine-readable medium 522 on which isstored instructions 524 (e.g., software) embodying any one or more ofthe methodologies or functions described herein. The instructions 524(e.g., software) may also reside, completely or at least partially,within the main memory 504 or within the processor 502 (e.g., within aprocessor's cache memory) during execution thereof by the computersystem 500, the main memory 504 and the processor 502 also constitutingmachine-readable media. The instructions 524 (e.g., software) may betransmitted or received over a network 526 via the network interfacedevice 520.

While machine-readable medium 522 is shown in an example embodiment tobe a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should be takento include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized ordistributed database, or associated caches and servers) able to storeinstructions (e.g., instructions 524). The term “machine-readablemedium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable ofstoring instructions (e.g., instructions 524) for execution by themachine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies disclosed herein. The term “machine-readable medium”includes, but not be limited to, data repositories in the form ofsolid-state memories, optical media, and magnetic media.

In sum, and as noted previously, the computing system 500 is configuredto execute one or more of the methodologies described herein. Thisincludes, for example, the processes described in FIG. 1 (process 100),2 (process 300), or 3 (process 300) can be embodied as instruction thatcan be stored as in storage unit 516 and/or memory 504 and executed byprocessor 502. The computing system 500 also can be configured toexecute other processes within the system 20 as further described herein(e.g., through FIGS. 6A-6C, 7 and 8A-8D).

Lyrics Space Analysis

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C show example ways in which data collected about userinteraction with lyrics may be analyzed in lyrics space, song space andartist space, respectively, e.g., through song lyrics analyzer 40. Asexplained in further detail below, each figure shows a circle whoseinterior represents a set of objects (e.g., song lyric words, songs, orartists) selected by users in the process of interacting with lyrics.Such set of objects may be generated by recording user interaction withlyrics (e.g., a user performing an action with respect to a segment oflyrics) in accordance with one or more of the lyric interaction methodsdescribed herein. Such set of objects may be compared to other sets ofobjects in the same space.

FIG. 6A illustrates sets of words 60 in a lyrics space 61. FIG. 6Adepicts a set 62 of song lyric words containing words that are mostcommonly selected by users for interaction purposes (e.g., such wordsmay be part of lines which are most commonly selected by users forentering or viewing lyrical interpretations, or sharing through a socialnetworking site, etc.). In the illustrated example, set 62 contains thewords “love”, “friend”, “thank you” and “maybe” as words which are mostcommonly selected by users when interacting with lyrics. Two other sets64, 66 of song lyric words are shown in FIG. 6A. Set 64 contains thewords “keep” and “love” and set 66 contains the words “promise” and“friend.” Each of sets 64, 66 may contain words appearing in the songlyrics for a particular song. One can determine whether there is anycorrelation between the popularity of each song (measured using metricssuch as number of song downloads, radio plays, etc.) and the degree ofoverlap 63 between sets 62, 64, and the degree of overlap 65 betweensets 62, 66. For example, in some cases, there may be a correlation suchthat the degree of overlap is indicative of the popularity of the songsassociated with sets 62, 64.

Next, FIG. 6B illustrates sets of songs 70 in a song space 71. A set ofsongs 72 is shown containing songs having lyrics which are more commonlyselected by users for interaction purposes (e.g., each song within set72 may be one for which more than a predetermined threshold number ofuser interactions with the lyrics have been recorded). In theillustrated example, set 72 contains songs S1, S2, S5, S6 and S7 assongs having lyrics which have the most recorded user interactions.Another set of songs 74 is shown, containing songs performed by aparticular artist. In the illustrated example, set 74 contains songs S1,S2, S3, S4 and S7. One can compare the popularity of the songs containedin the overlapping region 73 between sets 72, 74 with the popularity ofthe songs in set 74 outside region 73 (the popularity of songs may bemeasured using metrics such as number of song downloads, radio plays,etc.), to determine the correlation if any between song popularity andthe degree of user interactivity with the song lyrics.

FIG. 6C illustrates sets of song artists 80 in an artist space 81. A setof song artists 82 is shown containing artists who are associated withsong lyrics that are more commonly selected by users for interactionpurposes (e.g., each artist within set 82 may be one for which more thana predetermined threshold number of user interactions with the artist'slyrics have been recorded). In the illustrated example, set 82 containsartists A1, A2, A3, A5, A7 and A8 as artists associated with song lyricswhich have the most recorded user interactions. Another set of songartists 84 is shown, containing the most popular artists (e.g.,popularity of artists may be measured using metrics such as number ofsongs on the charts, etc.). In the illustrated example, set 84 containsartists A1, A3, A4 and A6. By examining the degree of overlap betweensets 82 and 84, one can determine whether there is any correlationbetween song artist popularity and the degree of user interactivity withthe song artists' lyrics.

In one example embodiment, song lyrics data analyzer 40 can beconfigured to analyze correlations such as those identified with respectto the examples in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C. These correlations may revealthat in some cases, the degree of user interactivity with a song'slyrics is indicative of the popularity of that song with users.Therefore in some cases, based on data concerning user interaction withsong lyrics, one can make an assessment as to which songs or songartists tend to be more popular with fans.

In some embodiments, users are prompted to register by setting up a useraccount. The user account allows a user to subsequently sign in to hisor her account in order to access and/or interact with song lyricsprovided by a lyrics site. In setting up the user account the user maybe prompted to enter information about himself or herself (e.g. age,gender, etc.). Each user with an account may be able to create his orher own user page, containing, for example, saved favorite lyrics, orinterpretations of lyrics. In some embodiments, anyone may access and/orinteract with song lyrics without signing in to a user account.

As system 20 can be configured to store user information on eachregistered user, additional information can be analyzed to glean morerefined details corresponding to particular song and lyrics. Forexample, demographic grouping information can identify details as to whoparticular songs or lyric style resonate with or how songs areinterpreted by particular demographic groupings. Likewise, by analyzingdata concerning user interaction with lyrics and examining generaltrends in such data, system 20 can be configured to generate userprofiles (or recommendations) that can be associated with particularuser information for a user. User profiles may identify user preferencesfor particular genres of music (e.g. pop, hip hop, rock), lyricalsubject matter (e.g. love songs, breakup songs, happy songs, sad songs),or song artists, etc. Such user profiles may be used by lyrics providersand other parties to recommend certain artists or songs to users. It isnoted that in alternate embodiments, the user profiles may be generatedreal time based on interactions by a user with the system 20, but neednot be stored with user information in cases where a user elects not tohave such information stored for the particular user (although system 20may store generically as a common pool of data not associated with anyparticular user).

In some embodiments, the most popular lines of lyrics in a song may beidentified based on user interactivity with lines of lyrics. The mostoften misheard lines of lyrics may be identified based on the number ofinstances of users identifying the misheard lines. The extent ofengagement that a song artist or band has with music fans may bemeasured by counting the number of user contributions to lyricalinterpretations of songs performed by that song artist or band.

The information learned from analyzing users' interaction with lyricsmay be used by song lyrics providers, copyright owners, music artists,music producers, music promoters, and the like, for a variety ofpurposes such as, for example: advertising and marketing of musicrecordings, artists, events, and the like; selecting music for concertsor other performances; developing song lyrics which cater to fans;providing song lyrics information and song or artist recommendations tousers to further increase users' engagement with the music and lyrics;etc.

Data Records

Turning now to FIG. 7, it illustrates data records 88 that may begenerated according to one or more of the processes described herein(e.g. process 100 of FIG. 1, process 200 of FIG. 2 or process 300 ofFIG. 3). As seen in FIG. 7, a user 90 is identified by a unique user ID94. User ID 94 may be associated with particular user information (orcharacteristics), such as age, gender, location, etc. Some of thecharacteristics may be provided by the user (e.g., age and genderinformation provided when the user sets up a user account). Some of thecharacteristics may be obtained by other means, for example, the user'slocation (e.g., country) may be determined by retrieving the user's IPaddress or global positioning system (GPS location) on devices that uselocations based services.

In one example embodiment, user 90 visits a particular song lyrics page91 which is identified by a lyrics identifier (or identification) (ID)96. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 7, lyrics ID 96 is associatedwith segments of lyrics, such as, for example, a plurality of lyriclines 99. Lyrics ID 96 is also associated with an artist ID 95(identifying the song artist for the lyrics) and genre ID 97(identifying the music genre).

User 90 interacts with specific content 92 on lyrics page 91. In theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 7, content 92 is identified by lyrics ID96 and one or more lyric lines 99 selected by user 90. User 90 performsa specific action 93 (identified by action ID 98) on content 92. Action93 may comprise an action undertaken by user 90 through a user interfaceof browser application 35 of client device 30. These actions include,for example, enter/view interpretation of the lyric line; enter/viewmisheard lyrics; share the lyric line through a social media or socialnetworking site; post the lyric line to a blog or other site; copy thelyric line; add the lyric line to a compilation of favorite lyricsmaintained by the user; or send the lyric line to a friend (e.g. viaemail, text message, instant messaging, or other communicationmechanisms), etc.

Data as shown in FIG. 7 may be generated as users interact with songlyrics according to one or more of the processes described herein. Thedata may be received and collected (stored) in a user interactiondatabase 26. The collected data can be simultaneously or subsequentlyanalyzed by a song lyrics data analyzer 40. For example, song lyricsdata analyzer 40 can review the collected data to match against presentor past trends of similar data or data patterns. The trends can vary.For example the trend may be temporal such as time of a year when aparticular song or song lyrics appears to have greater popularity (e.g.,New Year's Eve or Fourth of July) or occasional. In another example, thetrend may be based on demographics, such as a songs preferred by aparticular age, gender, or location grouping. As the song lyricsdatabase 24 and user interaction database 26 continue to grow, songlyrics data analyzer 40 can be configured to mine and analyze data atmany levels, for example, user level, lyric level, artist level, actionlevel, and the like.

As for analysis of the data, data can be analyzed by system 20 andstored in user interaction database 26 for subsequent retrieval and/orfurther processing by song lyrics data analyzer 40. For example, thetype of data song lyrics data analyzer 40 can process includes ananalysis of user behavior. Examples of this analysis include:

-   -   Assessing type of activity preferred by a user. For example, is        the user most likely to stay on his or her own user page, select        lyric segments, share lyric segments with friends, or comment on        lyrics? Interaction methods may be customized for each user        based on the user's behavior. If the user is most often posting        comments about misheard lyrics, for example, this could suggest        that the user is attentive to song lyrics detail and song        meanings Other users' posts about misheard lyrics could then be        presented to the user in question form to prompt the user for        opinion, comment, or other engagement.    -   Patterns of user interaction with particular words or other        segments of lyrics can be analyzed. For example, are there any        specific words that trigger the user to interact with lyrics        (e.g. “love”, “break up”, “cars”, etc.)? A user's interaction        with specific content may reveal the user's musical preferences.        If a user has a high degree of interaction with the lyrics for a        particular song, for example, then it may be considered that the        user is a fan of the song artist, song, or genre. Based on such        analysis, specific music content or advertisements may be        targeted to the user, or the user may be connected to other        users having similar interests.    -   If the gender of each user is known (e.g. the user supplies        gender information when setting up a user account), user        behavior may be analyzed to determine whether there is any        difference as to how males and females interact with lyrics.        This assessment may be used to customize interaction methods for        each gender or provide specific content or advertisements based        on gender.

In another example, song lyrics data analyzer 40 is configured toanalyze at the lyrics level, data about user interaction with lyrics todetermine:

-   -   Most engaging song lyrics (by song or by lyric segment)—the        songs or segments of song lyrics attracting the most user        interaction with the lyrics may be determined. The songs        attracting the most user interaction may not necessarily be the        same as the most commonly searched or displayed song lyrics. In        some embodiments, the level of user interaction may be measured        by counting the number of actions performed by users on segments        of song lyrics.    -   Lyrics commonalities—the data may suggest if there are any        common aspects of the lyrics that are receiving more attention        (e.g., particular words; explicit content; seasonality, such as        love songs on Valentine's Day).    -   Misheard or misinterpreted lyrics—based on user input, a        database of commonly misheard or misinterpreted lyrics may be        built.    -   Lyrics meaning—based on user input, a database of user        interpretations of lyrics may be built.        Information about the most engaging song lyrics, lyrics        commonalities, misheard lyrics, lyrics meaning, etc., may be        shared with the music community (including songwriters) and        other interested parties.

In yet another example, song lyrics data analyzer 40 is configured toanalyze at the artist level, data about user interaction with lyrics todetermine:

-   -   Song artist with the most engaging content—based on the data,        one could determine which artists have song lyrics which attract        the most user interaction. An analysis of the data may suggest        reasons why certain artists attract more user interaction with        their song lyrics (e.g., the song lyrics relate to a particular        theme or contain particular words that attract the most user        interaction).    -   Song artist lyric trends—the type of user engagement with the        lyrics and user comments may suggest possible trends over time        with respect to the writing of lyrics by a song artist.    -   Song artist engagement fan base—in some circumstances it can be        inferred that a user who interacts with particular song lyrics        by an artist is a fan of that artist. Therefore a song artists'        fan base may be determined based on data concerning user        interaction with lyrics.

As song lyrics data analyzer processes and analyzes data, this data canbe stored in user interaction database 26 or other appropriate database.The collected analyzed data can then be shared with additional parties,for example, song artists, music producers, and other interestedparties.

At the action level, data about user interaction with lyrics may beanalyzed to determine, for example, most misheard lyrics, most sharedlyrics, most favored lines, and the like. The data may also be used todetermine what type of interaction is most commonly selected by users.This information can be used by song lyrics providers to enhance lyricsinteraction methods.

By way of example of action level data analysis performed by song lyricsdata analyzer 40 data corresponding to favored lines in a particularsong lyric may be processed as follows. For each song lyrics from songlyrics database 24 served by song lyrics serve 22, user interactiondatabase 26 tracks lines in which user action includes selection of aparticular line and any associated corresponding data (e.g., metadata)such as user information, text entered by the user, etc. The line can bea complete line or may include a significant portion of the line. Thelines and associated corresponding metadata are saved as “favoritelines” in user interaction database 26. When song lyrics data analyzer40 is queried for most favorite line in a particular song, song lyricsdata analyzer 40 retrieves the song and favorite lines data from userinteraction database 26. Song lyrics data analyzer 40 processes thedata, including further normalizing the data to match closely linkedstored favorite lines such that whole saved lines are matched withsubstantially whole saved lines. In one embodiment, a natural languageprocessor can assist with further processing. Once the data isnormalized, song lyrics data analyzer 40 can provide the details on themost favorite line or lines in a particular song as well as additionaldata cleaned from the metadata such as demographics of users thatprovided the favorite line or lines.

Similar processing configurations could be user for other data. Forexample, a particular song can save data corresponding to most misheardlyrics in the user interaction database 26. In one example embodiment,users may enter through a user interface of the browser application 35on the client device 30 text and/or other data as to particular lines ina song lyrics that were misheard and what the user heard as the misheardlyrics. As this data is stored in user interaction database 26, songlyrics data analyzer 40 can extract the song details and tally the lineor lines most misheard within the song and provide additional details onthe same such as what the lyrics were most often misheard as being aswell as demographic information corresponding to particular of whomisheard those lyrics.

Still other analysis configurations can be processed through the songlyrics data analyzer 40 as further described herein. Overall, the system20 beneficially provides novel mechanisms to analyze and interact withsong lyrics using both commercial and social data streams to gatherdetails on song lyrics and process them accordingly.

User Interfaces and Interactions

Turning next to FIGS. 8A through 8D, illustrated are examplevisualizations in the form of example user interfaces corresponding tothe processes described herein. Each user interface comprises computercode (e.g., instructions 524) that rendered for display (e.g., throughbrowser application 35 or application (app)) on a screen of a clientdevice, e.g., 30.

FIG. 8A is an example computer screen shot of an application showing agraphical user interface according to one example embodiment that may beused with the processes, apparatus and systems described herein. In thisexample, user interface 50 shows lyrics 52 for a song “Hot and Cold.” Auser viewing these lyrics in this example may elect to take an action tocopy or share one or more lines, e.g., 54, of lyrics 52. For example, inone embodiment user action may include a selection of a line and “right”click on a mouse button of the computer system 500. This action causesthe instructions 524 of the browser application 35 code to provide fordisplay a drop down menu 56A (e.g., shown as an overlay menu) thatincludes actions user may take with respect to selected line 54. Theoptions for actions available via menu 56A to be taken on selected line54 that are presented to user include social sharing of selected line 54(e.g., via Twitter™, Facebook™, email or eCard), copying a predeterminednumber of lines (e.g., less than the full set of lyrics 52 to preservecopyright rights of lyrics 52 owner), or view or add information formisheard lyrics. In one example embodiment, once an action is selectedby user, e.g., copy a predetermined number of lines (or segments orportions) of a song lyric, system 20 receives the request through songlyrics server 22. Song lyrics server 22 retrieves those lines from songlyrics database 24, and song lyrics server 22 provides those lines fordisplay on the screen of client device 30.

FIG. 8B is an example computer screen shot of an application showing agraphical user interface for sharing lyrics and song meanings accordingto a second example embodiment that may be used with the methods,apparatus and systems described herein. In this example, a userinterface 50B provided for display shows song lyrics 52B for “Set Fireto the Rain.” In this example, highlighted are options that areselectable by a user, for example, particular line or lines 54B, drilldown for song lyrics meaning 55B, or socially share lyrics 56B. In thisexample configuration, when the user is presented with user interface50B, user selects lyrics 54B for which some action is to be taken. Inthis example, a next action by a user would be to share lyrics 56B on asocial networking site, e.g., Facebook™. In response to receiving atsong lyrics server 22 selection of lyrics 54B and action to share lyricson the social networking site 56B, song lyrics server 22 receives lyricsto be shared 54B from song lyrics database 24 and transmits it to aninterface (not shown) for posting on social networking site selected byuser 56B. In addition, song lyrics server 22, may log additionalinformation received from client device, e.g., user details (based onlogin details from song sharing site and/or social networking site 56B,internet protocol address, global positioning system coordinates, and/orother information) in appropriate tables within user interactiondatabase 26. Such data, as previously described, can assist withadditional analysis by song lyrics data analyzer 40.

As noted earlier with FIG. 8B, a user also has available through userinterface 50B a selection for an action to retrieve song meanings 55B.FIG. 8C is an example computer screen shot of an application showing agraphical user interface for song meanings according to one exampleembodiment that may be used with the methods, apparatus and systemsdescribed herein. When song meanings 55B option is selected, song lyricsserver 22 retrieves information about the song lyrics from song lyricsdatabase 24. In this database, an author/artist of the song lyrics mayhave provided their interpretation of song lyrics 57. This informationcan be sent as is or further commented on, e.g., using analysis providedthrough song lyrics data analyzer 40, for transmission back to clientdevice 30 for display through a user interface 50C. The informationreceived back at client device 30 may be provided for display in oneembodiment as an overlay on original user interface 50B. Thisinformation can further act upon, e.g., commented on, emailed, orsocially shared 58. Alternately, or in addition, song lyrics dataanalyzer 40 may analyze data stored in user interaction database 26corresponding to how the present user and/or other users interpreted 59the particular song lyrics. This data also can be can be transmitted (orprovided) back from the song lyrics server 22 to client device 30 fordisplay through user interface 50B. This information can further actupon, e.g., commented on, emailed, or socially shared 58.

As previously noted, in some instances a user may inquire as to whethera particular lyric was misheard or what others may have misheard asparticular lyrics. FIG. 8D is an example computer screen shot of anapplication showing a graphical user interface for misheard lyricsaccording to one example embodiment that may be used with the methods,apparatus and systems described herein. In this example, a user mayselect from a menu, e.g., 56A, an option to determine more informationon misheard lyrics. This selection (or selection action) is sent to songlyrics database 22, which retrieves information about the song lyricsfrom song lyrics database 24 and triggers song lyrics data analyzer 40to conduct an analysis of the misheard lyrics.

Song lyrics data analyzer 40 compares selected line to other datacorresponding to misheard lyrics, e.g., as stored in user interactiondatabase 26. Examples of processing by song lyrics data analyzer 40 onthe misheard lyrics may include an analysis of a top predeterminednumber of most frequently misheard lyrics, most outlier misheard lyrics(e.g., base on most misheard words in a selected set of lyrics andfurther natural language processing of these words to gather meanings),or most interesting comments on misheard lyrics (e.g., as based onfollow up comments and/or polling of prior inputted data on misheardlyrics).

Using the analysis provided through song lyrics data analyzer 40, songlyrics server 22 transmit back to client device 30 the information fordisplay through a user interface 50C. The information 69A received backat client device 30 may be provided for display in one embodiment as anoverlay 69B on original user interface 50B. This information can furtheract upon, e.g., commented on, emailed, or socially shared 58.Alternately, or in addition, song lyrics data analyzer 40 may analyzedata stored in user interaction database 26 corresponding to how thepresent user and/or other users interpreted 59 the particular misheardsong lyrics. This data also can be can be transmitted (or provided) backfrom the song lyrics server 22 to client device 30 for display throughuser interface 69B. This information can further act upon, e.g.,commented on, emailed, or socially shared 58.

The song lyrics processes, apparatus, and systems as described hereinenhance a user experience with song lyrics. Moreover, the processes,apparatus and systems described herein can apply to other literary workssuch as poems and literary readings so that further analysis andinteractions with those enhance a user experience with those works.

Additional Configuration Considerations

Throughout this specification, plural instances may implementcomponents, operations, or structures described as a single instance,e.g. server 22, databases 24, 26, analyzer 40, machines 500 and/orprocessors 502 used to process the methods embodied as computer readableinstructions. Although individual operations of one or more methods areillustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of theindividual operations may be performed concurrently, and nothingrequires that the operations be performed in the order illustrated.Structures and functionality presented as separate components in exampleconfigurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component.Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single componentmay be implemented as separate components. These and other variations,modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of thesubject matter herein.

Certain embodiments are described herein as including logic, forexample, the processes in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 8A-8D. This logic may beembodied in components, modules, or mechanisms, for example, within theconfigurations of the systems and machines described in FIGS. 4 and 5.Modules may constitute either software modules (e.g., code embodied on amachine-readable medium or in a transmission signal) or hardwaremodules. A hardware module is tangible unit capable of performingcertain operations and may be configured or arranged in a certainmanner. In example embodiments, one or more computer systems (e.g., astandalone, client or server computer system) or one or more hardwaremodules of a computer system (e.g., a processor or a group ofprocessors) may be configured by software (e.g., an application orapplication portion) as a hardware module that operates to performcertain operations as described herein.

The various operations of example methods described herein may beperformed, at least partially, by one or more processors, e.g.,processor 502, that are temporarily configured (e.g., by software) orpermanently configured to perform the relevant operations. Whethertemporarily or permanently configured, such processors may constituteprocessor-implemented modules that operate to perform one or moreoperations or functions. The modules referred to herein may, in someexample embodiments, comprise processor-implemented modules.

The one or more processors 502 may also operate to support performanceof the relevant operations in a “cloud computing” environment or as a“software as a service” (SaaS). For example, at least some of theoperations may be performed by a group of computers (as examples ofmachines including processors), these operations being accessible via anetwork (e.g., the Internet) and via one or more appropriate interfaces(e.g., application program interfaces (APIs).)

Some portions of this specification are presented in terms of algorithmsor symbolic representations of operations on data stored as bits orbinary digital signals within a machine memory (e.g., memory 104), suchas the processes in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8A-8D. These algorithms orsymbolic representations are examples of techniques used by those ofordinary skill in the data processing arts to convey the substance oftheir work to others skilled in the art. As used herein, an “algorithm”is a self-consistent sequence of operations or similar processingleading to a desired result. In this context, algorithms and operationsinvolve physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, but notnecessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical, magnetic,or optical signals capable of being stored, accessed, transferred,combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated by a machine. It isconvenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to referto such signals using words such as “data,” “content,” “bits,” “values,”“elements,” “symbols,” “characters,” “terms,” “numbers,” “numerals,” orthe like. These words, however, are merely convenient labels and are tobe associated with appropriate physical quantities.

Unless specifically stated otherwise, discussions herein using wordssuch as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,”“presenting,” “displaying,” or the like may refer to actions orprocesses of a machine (e.g., a computer) that manipulates or transformsdata represented as physical (e.g., electronic, magnetic, or optical)quantities within one or more memories (e.g., volatile memory,non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof), registers, or othermachine components that receive, store, transmit, or displayinformation.

As used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristicdescribed in connection with the embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in variousplaces in the specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment.

Some embodiments may be described using the expression “coupled” and“connected” along with their derivatives. For example, some embodimentsmay be described using the term “coupled” to indicate that two or moreelements are in direct physical or electrical contact. The term“coupled,” however, may also mean that two or more elements are not indirect contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interactwith each other. The embodiments are not limited in this context.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, areintended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process,method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is notnecessarily limited to only those elements but may include otherelements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method,article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary,“or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example,a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true(or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or notpresent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (orpresent).

In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elementsand components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely forconvenience and to give a general sense of the invention. Thisdescription should be read to include one or at least one and thesingular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meantotherwise.

Upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciatestill additional alternative structural and functional designs for asystem and a process for song lyric processing that incorporates userinteractions through the disclosed principles herein. Thus, whileparticular embodiments and applications have been illustrated anddescribed, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are notlimited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein.Various modifications, changes and variations, which will be apparent tothose skilled in the art, may be made in the arrangement, operation anddetails of the method and apparatus disclosed herein without departingfrom the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for processing user interactions withsong lyrics, the method comprising: providing, to a client device, thesong lyrics for presentation on a display of the client device, thedisplay presenting a menu of options for the user to interact with asegment of the song lyrics selected by the user, the menu of optionscomprising a portion for the user to enter text; receiving, from theclient device, song lyric interaction data describing a user interactionwith the selected segment of the song lyrics using a selected lyricinteraction option from the menu of options, the song lyric interactiondata comprising user-entered text relating to the selected segment ofthe song lyrics; updating a user interaction database to store a songlyric interaction entry corresponding to the song lyric interactiondata, the song lyric interaction entry identifying the user, the songlyrics, the selected segment of the song lyrics, the selected lyricinteraction option, and the user-entered text; retrieving user-inputtedtext previously input by other users relating to the selected segment ofthe song lyrics from the user interaction database; grouping, by aprocessor, similar user-inputted text from the retrieved user-inputtedtext; identifying a set of most commonly input text relating to theselected segment of the song lyrics from a ranking of the groupeduser-inputted text according to commonality in the user interactiondatabase; and providing, to the client device, the set of most commonlyinput text relating to the selected segment of the song lyrics alongwith the user-entered text for presentation on the display of the clientdevice.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the menu of options includeslyric interaction options for (a) entering an interpretation of theselected segment of the song lyrics and (b) entering misheard lyrics forthe selected segment of the song lyrics.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein the selected menu lyric interaction option is for entering aninterpretation of the selected segment of the song lyrics, theuser-entered text comprises the user's interpretation of the selectedsegment of the song lyrics, and the set of most commonly inputted textcomprises most common interpretations of the selected segment of thesong lyrics.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein providing the set of mostcommonly input text for presentation on the display of the client devicecomprises: providing, to the client device for presentation on thedisplay of the client device along with the user-entered interpretation,(a) the most common interpretations of the selected segment of the songlyrics and (b) an interpretation provided by at least one of a composerof the song lyrics and a performer of the song lyrics.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the selected menu lyric interaction option is forentering a misheard lyric for the selected segment of the song lyrics,the user-entered text comprises the user's misheard lyric for theselected segment of the song lyrics, and the set of most commonlyinputted text comprises most common misheard lyrics of the selectedsegment of the song lyrics.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the menuof options comprises at least one menu option for communicating theselected segment to an external source.
 7. The method of claim 6,wherein the at least one menu option for communicating the selectedsegment to the external source comprises a menu option for at least oneof: sharing the selected segment of the song lyric through a socialmedia medium; posting the selected segment of the song lyric to a blog;and transmitting the selected segment of the song lyric via one of anemail or text message.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the clientdevice is configured to highlight the selected segment of the songlyrics in response to selection of the selected segment by the user. 9.A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions,the instructions executable by at least one processor to cause it to:provide, to a client device, the song lyrics for presentation on adisplay of the client device, the display presenting a menu of optionsfor the user to interact with a segment of the song lyrics selected bythe user, the menu of options comprising a portion for the user to entertext; receive, from the client device, song lyric interaction datadescribing a user interaction with the selected segment of the songlyrics using a selected lyric interaction option from the menu ofoptions, the song lyric interaction data comprising user-entered textrelating to the selected segment of the song lyrics; update a userinteraction database to store a song lyric interaction entrycorresponding to the song lyric interaction data, the song lyricinteraction entry identifying the user, the song lyrics, the selectedsegment of the song lyrics, the selected lyric interaction option, andthe user-entered text; retrieve user-inputted text previously input byother users relating to the selected segment of the song lyrics from theuser interaction database; group similar user-inputted text from theretrieved user-inputted text; identify a set of most commonly input textrelating to the selected segment of the song lyrics from a ranking ofthe grouped user-inputted text according to commonality in the userinteraction database; and provide, to the client device, the set of mostcommonly input text relating to the selected segment of the song lyricsalong with the user-entered text for presentation on the display of theclient device.
 10. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 9,wherein the menu of options includes lyric interaction options for (a)entering an interpretation of the selected segment of the song lyricsand (b) entering misheard lyrics for the selected segment of the songlyrics.
 11. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein theselected menu lyric interaction option is for entering an interpretationof the selected segment of the song lyrics, the user-entered textcomprises the user's interpretation of the selected segment of the songlyrics, and the set of most commonly inputted text comprises most commoninterpretations of the selected segment of the song lyrics.
 12. Thecomputer-readable storage medium of claim 11, wherein the instructionsto provide the set of most commonly input text for presentation on thedisplay of the client device comprise instructions causing the at leastone processor to: provide, to the client device for presentation on thedisplay of the client device along with the user-entered interpretation,(a) the most common interpretations of the selected segment of the songlyrics and (b) an interpretation provided by at least one of a composerof the song lyrics and a performer of the song lyrics.
 13. Thecomputer-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the selected menulyric interaction option is for entering a misheard lyric for theselected segment of the song lyrics, the user-entered text comprises theuser's misheard lyric for the selected segment of the song lyrics, andthe set of most commonly inputted text comprises most common misheardlyrics of the selected segment of the song lyrics.
 14. Thecomputer-readable storage medium of claim 9, wherein the menu of optionscomprises at least one menu option for communicating the selectedsegment to an external source.
 15. The computer-readable storage mediumof claim 14, wherein the at least one menu option for communicating theselected segment to the external source comprises a menu option for atleast one of: sharing the selected segment of the song lyric through asocial media medium; posting the selected segment of the song lyric to ablog; and transmitting the selected segment of the song lyric via one ofan email or text message.
 16. The computer-readable storage medium ofclaim 9, wherein the client device is configured to highlight theselected segment of the song lyrics in response to selection of theselected segment by the user.
 17. A system for processing userinteractions with song lyrics, the system comprising: at least oneprocessor; and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storinginstructions, the instructions executable by the least one processor tocause it to: provide, to a client device, the song lyrics forpresentation on a display of the client device, the display presenting amenu of options for the user to interact with a segment of the songlyrics selected by the user, the menu of options comprising a portionfor the user to enter text; receive, from the client device, song lyricinteraction data describing a user interaction with the selected segmentof the song lyrics using a selected lyric interaction option from themenu of options, the song lyric interaction data comprising user-enteredtext relating to the selected segment of the song lyrics; update a userinteraction database to store a song lyric interaction entrycorresponding to the song lyric interaction data, the song lyricinteraction entry identifying the user, the song lyrics, the selectedsegment of the song lyrics, the selected lyric interaction option, andthe user-entered text; retrieve user-inputted text previously input byother users relating to the selected segment of the song lyrics from theuser interaction database; group similar user-inputted text from theretrieved user-inputted text; identify a set of most commonly input textrelating to the selected segment of the song lyrics from a ranking ofthe grouped user-inputted text according to commonality in the userinteraction database; and provide, to the client device, the set of mostcommonly input text relating to the selected segment of the song lyricsalong with the user-entered text for presentation on the display of theclient device.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the selected menulyric interaction option is for entering an interpretation of theselected segment of the song lyrics, the user-entered text comprises theuser's interpretation of the selected segment of the song lyrics, andthe set of most commonly inputted text comprises most commoninterpretations of the selected segment of the song lyrics.
 19. Thesystem of claim 17, wherein the selected menu lyric interaction optionis for entering a misheard lyric for the selected segment of the songlyrics, the user-entered text comprises the user's misheard lyric forthe selected segment of the song lyrics, and the set of most commonlyinputted text comprises most common misheard lyrics of the selectedsegment of the song lyrics.
 20. The system of claim 17, wherein theclient device is configured to highlight the selected segment of thesong lyrics in response to selection of the selected segment by theuser.